2 plead guilty to harboring undocumented immigrants

Two Mexican nationals have pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to harbor aliens in Edinburg, near the Texas-Mexico border, U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today in a news release.

Vicente Ortiz-Soto and Marcial Salas-Gardunio, both 23, admitted to their role in the conspiracy at a hearing Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Randy Crane in McAllen, the release said.

The guilty pleas Wednesday were the result of an investigation by local and federal law enforcement that was triggered by a 9-1-1- call May 2. The caller said he was being held against his will at a “stash house” for undocumented immigrants. Edinburgh is about 350 miles southwest of Houston.

Authorities responding to the call found more than 100 undocumented people from various countries in three buildings on the Edinburgh property. One building was locked with a chain, and several who were locked inside were later treated for injuries, according to the release.

Witnesses told authorities Salas-Gardunio greeted newcomers to the stash house by telling them, “Welcome to Hell.”

Others said Salas-Gardunio threatened that undocumented residents would be beaten or killed if they didn’t keep quiet.

Salas-Gardunio and Ortiz-Soto will remain in federal custody without bond pending sentencing, which is set for July 30, the release said. They face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.

An indictment was returned against the defendants May 15.

Authorities do not provide photos of defendants prosecuted in federal court, a spokeswoman said.